Officials emphasized that property owners must still comply with adopted building codes and floodplain management.

The purpose of Tuesday's ordinances is to help residents rebuild and get beyond the "hurdles" of beginning the rebuilding process, officials said.

Jeff Schoenfield, a business owner and real estate developer in Gatlinburg, is looking to rebuild on his property at the bottom of Ski Mountain Road.

Instead of rebuilding a business plaza, like the one that was destroyed in the fire, he plans on building an affordable apartment complex because he believes that is what the city needs more of right now.

"Our goal is to make something that’s affordable and yet safe, attractive and a convenient location. We feel like this does all of that and Lord willing, in about 6 months, we will complete the project to be ready to rent," Schoenfield said.

Early sketches of the complex show a 22-unit building that will provide homes for those who need them most.

"There are people who are working hard who can’t really afford a decent place. So our goal is to have a place people can live in they can be proud of and then make the next step towards owning their own home," he added.

Schoenfield says it's been inspiring to see the amount of rebuilding happening around the city.

"Seeing the trucks rolling and seeing demolition occurring is a very good sign it’s the first step towards rebuilding," he said.